Philippe Cornet (Photo by Steven Christy / OKC Barons).

Registering points is second nature to rookie winger Philippe Cornet. In four years in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, the Val-Senneville,Quebec native scored 87 goals, producing 224 points and a +22.

He spent his first three seasons with the Rimouski Oceanic, who produced NHL stars Sidney Crosby, Vincent Lecavalier and Brad Richards. Last season, he concluded his junior career with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, whose alumni include Mike Ribeiro and current teammate Alexandre Giroux.

Cornet was drafted by Edmonton in 2008 in the fifth round, 133rd overall. After attending Oilers training camp each of the last two seasons, he opened a new chapter of his career this year in Oklahoma City. For a player that saw quality ice time in junior, Cornet’s start for the Barons saw him watch from upstairs more than the bench.

“The 10 games before the Christmas break, I felt like I was getting some quality chances and wasn’t able to score,” Cornet said. “The first goal is always hard to get. The AHL is a lot faster than the QMJHL. You have less time to think on the ice. You just have to execute.”

Cornet’s opportunity changed with several call-ups by the Oilers. It was the chance Cornet had been waiting for. Head coach Todd Nelson originally paired the 20-year old with Teemu Hartikainen and Ryan O’Marra on January 7 against Peoria. By the end of the game, Milan Kytnar was playing with Hartikainen and Cornet. The “kid” line has been intact since.

It didn’t take long for the pairing to pay dividends either. Three games in with his new linemates, Cornet broke through with his first career goal on January 9 against Lake Erie.

“It was a great play from Teemu,” Cornet said. “Getting the puck and driving to the net and getting rebounds is how we’re going to score goals. It was a good moment for me, and a lot of pressure fell off my shoulders. I was anxious to get the first one out of the way.”

It’s a milestone Cornet hopes is the first of many to come. If his recent play is any indication, it won’t be long until he returns to the familiarity he experienced in the QMJHL.

“Our line is doing great. We’re getting a lot of scoring chances,” Cornet added. “It’s all about confidence. When you get on a streak, it’s hard to get out of it. Let’s just hope this good streak keeps going. Every time we’re on the ice, we have to work hard and the chances will come.”

Author: Cassie Gage | Oklahoma City Barons

 
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